Warriors vs. Rockets Everything to know about 1st round NBA playoff matchup

The Golden State Warriors secured their place in the NBA playoffs as the No. 7 seed, setting up a first-round series against the second-seeded Houston Rockets. This matchup is particularly notable as it marks the fifth playoff series between the two teams, with the Warriors winning all four prior encounters. The series schedule begins on April 20, with critical games lined up throughout late April. The Warriors have had the upper hand in the regular season, winning three out of five matchups against the Rockets.

However, Houston's physical style of play has posed challenges for the Warriors, especially in recent games where they struggled with turnovers and Curry's shooting efficiency. The addition of Jimmy Butler is expected to bolster the Warriors' chances, as he can share the scoring load and provide defensive support. With a strong bench outperforming the starters this season, the Warriors may capitalize on this depth to make a significant playoff run. Fans can purchase tickets starting April 16, with warnings issued about the risks of counterfeit tickets.